🪓 Fired for working through lunch?

A New Seasons Strike Over a Firing

A New Seasons worker who is treasurer of the New Seasons Labor Union was fired late last month over what he says was the only infraction he’s ever been disciplined for. That would violate a standard labor contract, though New Seasons has yet to agree to a contract with the union. And now workers at several stores are striking over this firing. [Portland Mercury]

• The details: The infraction? Randy Foster, who has worked at the store for 19 years, says he was canned for working during his lunch break to help a colleague who is blind.

A Deal for Providence’s Striking Nurses

After a 26-day-long strike, nurses at Providence hospitals across Oregon have reached a tentative deal with their employer that includes pay raises and a bonus to cover some of the paychecks they missed while on strike. [OPB]

Success in Moving Away From Single-Family Housing

Back in 2021, Portland began allowing duplexes, cottage clusters, and some triplexes to be built in neighborhoods that were previously zoned only for single-family housing. That policy had a significant impact: Between August 2021 and June 2024, 21% of Portland’s new housing was some form of middle housing. [Oregonian 🔒]

Traveling Across State by Public Transit

OPB's Lillian Karabaic recently spent two weeks on public transit — specifically 38 buses and three trains over 1,700 miles — collecting stories from fellow travelers. Here’s what she learned about some of Oregon’s farthest-flung communities. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

I’m always happy to get readers’ perspectives and recommendations. Here’s some of this week’s most notable mail:

Bumper Sticker Backstory

I ran a photo of an “Eat More Kale” bumper sticker, claiming it sounded stereotypically Portland. I stand corrected:

“‘Eat More Kale’ is actually a Vermont guy's slogan/merch. [I] recognize it from my 'other home' near Montpelier, Vt. Sister regions — separated by space, united by sensibility…” — Anonymous

Inexpensive Pizza

The February guide to the month included a link to the cheapest pizza in town. This reader recommendation came in:

“I just randomly stopped at Sparky’s Pizza for the first time on my way home and was delighted to find out they sell pizza by the slice for $1 after 8:30 every night! It wasn’t the best I’ve ever had but MUCH better (and cheaper) than a crappy frozen pizza.” — Callie S.

Indoor Activities for Winter

If you’re looking for ways to stay active this winter, here’s another addition to our list of suggestions:

“I encourage anyone to check out DevineFunk’s hip hop classes (933 SW 3rd Ave., Downtown). You do NOT need to be a dancer, just someone who really wants to and loves a great groove.” — Susan Nichols

I welcome your emails — including comments on the newsletter and your recommendations for places to check out around Portland, as well as (of course) photos of any fun bumper stickers you see around town.